Automated procedure reconfiguration framework for augmented reality-guided maintenance applications

The application of Augmented Reality (AR) to maintenance issues has resulted in significant improvements in reducing the time operators spend finding and comprehending manual maintenance procedures. One area that requires innovation is reducing the rigidity of procedures within AR-guided maintenance applications. Current widely- applicable strategies are limited in that they can only be completed off-site or they can be completed on-site but rely on operator knowledge or expert intervention in order to perform reconfiguration. In this work, a novel framework is presented to allow for automated reconfiguring of procedures within AR-guided maintenance applications. Once triggered, the presented framework is able to work autonomously. The framework relies on subassemblies of the machine being maintained and analyzes the effect a defective part has within its subassembly. This information is used to create a modified procedure using automatic procedure creation methods. An implementation of the framework is presented using a simple example. The framework is utilized in a complete AR-guided maintenance application and test.

Dispersive Transport Described by the Generalized Fick Law with Different Fractional Operators

The approach based on fractional advection–diffusion equations provides an effective and meaningful tool to describe the dispersive transport of charge carriers in disordered semiconductors. A fractional generalization of Fick’s law containing the Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative is related to the well-known fractional Fokker–Planck equation, and it is consistent with the universal characteristics of dispersive transport observed in the time-of-flight experiment (ToF). In the present paper, we consider the generalized Fick laws containing other forms of fractional time operators with singular and non-singular kernels and find out features of ToF transient currents that can indicate the presence of such fractional dynamics. Solutions of the corresponding fractional Fokker–Planck equations are expressed through solutions of integer-order equation in terms of an integral with the subordinating function. This representation is used to calculate the ToF transient current curves. The physical reasons leading to the considered fractional generalizations are elucidated and discussed.

How to develop a training method directed towards real-time operators: key steps and main tools to the Brazilian Power System

The real-time operators act on phenomena characterized by uncertainty, incomplete information, time pressure, unexpected events, and security threat. Emergency and urgent situations demand rapid and effective decisions. This is the case of hospital emergencies, fire brigades, air traffic control, nuclear plants control, and power system operation. It requires the development of behavioral skills in training programs. This paper aims to describe how to develop a method to training programs for real-time operators. Steps and the tools to develop a training method were presented. Experts of the Brazilian Power System Operator Company evaluated the method. Results point to a method focused on power system operators with six key steps namely, Problem Analysis, Context Analysis, Identify Training Needs, Choose Training Techniques, Training Program Structure, and Evaluation. The simulation was the main tool, followed by a behavioral observatory based on roleplay. Test and apply the method to other types of real-time operations is needed to improve the proposed method.